I skipped from the second page, so this may already have been said.

If you decide to change your name:

When the divorce is finalized, get the order changing your name on a separate one-page order. The judge will sign it at the same time s/he signs the divorce decree. Take lots and lots of copies, because often you can them get certified for free on the day the order is signed. (Take several copies of the decree and get them certified, too.) Don't trust your ex to do it--go yourself. In most Texas courts, for example, you can get several orders certified for free right after the decree is signed if you take the copies in; after that, it's up to $1-4 dollars per page for copies plus a certification fee.

By having a separate order changing your name, the employees at the places that require an order to change your name on their records don't have acess to your life story and a handy list of your assets. If you own real property, file a certified copy of the name change order in the real estate records of each county in which you own property. Even if it's in the same county as the divorce, the real estate records and divorce records usually are in completely separate systems.

If somebody tells you the name change has to be in the Decree of Divorce, usually you can put in that section something like: "Respondent's name is changed from X to Y in a separate Order Granting Name Change signed on even date by this court." Respondent would actually be whatever you are called in the petition and decree. In some states, it's defendant, and it may be something else in other states.

Also. find out how social security numbers, account numbers, etc. need to be handled in your state. In Texas, we would show a seven digit account number as XXXX124, for example. There's a fine line between giving enough detail to make an order enforceable and giving enough detail for an identity thief to steal from you.

Best of luck in your new life.